The 1996 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team represented Oklahoma State University as a member of the newly-formed Big 12 Conference during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by second-year head coach Bob Simmons, the Cowboys compiled an overall record of 5âÂÂ6 with a mark of 2âÂÂ6 in conference play, placing fifth in the Big 12's South Division. Oklahoma State played home games at Lewis Field in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The Cowboys' victory against Southwest Missouri State in the season opener was NCAA Division I college football's first ever regular season game to finish in overtime.